COLLECTION OF THE GRACE MUSEUM, GIFT OF THE BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART 2018, TRANSFER FROM THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN, PARTIAL GIFT OF THE ARTIST

In May 2017, the Contemporary Austin transferred its legacy collection—comprised of more than 700 works—to the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas, Austin, which has since incorporated 200 of those pieces into its permanent collection. Today, the two museums announced that they have launched an effort to give the remaining 500 works from the Contemporary Austin’s original gift to 17 Texan institutions.

At a “transfer event” held this past May, representatives from participating museums viewed and selected lots to incorporate into their permanent collections based on a lottery system. The Contemporary Austin collection includes artworks of various mediums, with a particular focus on works on paper by Texas-based and regional artists.

Among the major works in the collection are Ada in a Hat (1990) by Alex Katz; Untitled (Self-Portrait) (1996) by Luis Jiménez; Tarija (1985) by Dorothy Hood; Bill (After Short Silence Then) (1998) by Julian Schnabel; European Holiday (1992) by Judy Chicago; Ladies and Gentlemen (1975) by Andy Warhol; and La Folie (1972) by Alexander Calder.

“As leaders in Austin’s vibrant and rapidly growing arts community, the Blanton and the Contemporary Austin are delighted to collaborate on this ambitious multi-phase project, which will impact the arts here in Austin and throughout Texas,” Simone Wicha, director of the Blanton, said in a statement. “As part of this large and thriving arts ecosystem, the Blanton is proud to support other Texas institutions in serving their communities, while also preserving this important collection of Texas art for future generations.”

Louis Grachos, executive director and CEO of the Contemporary Austin, added, “Further transferring select works to collecting institutions across the state will extend the legacy collection’s impact immeasurably, ensuring that the art works are properly cared for, studied, and enjoyed by thousands of visitors for many years.”